Bhubaneswar: Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of 69th state-level Republic Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar, Police said today.
As many as 25 platoons of police force and for the first time 12 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos will be deployed to address any unforeseen contingency during the celebrations, Police Commissioner YB Khurania said after a full dress rehearsal for the R-Day which was held amid tight security at Mahatma Gandhi Marg today.
Ruling out any intelligence report on terrorist activities, Khurania said all the arrangements have been made looking at the general threat perception.
"The entire venue on Mahatma Gandhi Marg will be under CCTV surveillance. Quick Action Teams, striking force, anti-bomb squad, and rooftop security will be deployed. Around 150 police officers of various ranks have been given charge to maintain law and order during the parade," Khurania said.
Sources said a total of 76 troupes including 58 marching contingents, and other cultural groups, tableaus, fire services troupe will take part in the parade.
A contingent from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh will also take part in the parade on an exchange basis and for the first time a unit of Odisha Industrial Security Force will also participate in the state-level parade.
The Commissionerate police have already issued a traffic advisory for regulation of vehicular traffic during the day.
Governor S.C. Jamir will unfurl the tricolour and take salute at the parade on Friday.